Prosecco is one of Italy’s most popular sparkling wines, but many people are unsure what it is actually made from. Some assume it is a blend of grapes, while others confuse it with Champagne or other sparkling wines. In reality, Prosecco is made primarily from a single grape variety.
This guide explains what Prosecco is made from, which grape is used, how it differs from other sparkling wines, and how production methods affect flavour and style.
The Short Answer
Prosecco is made from the Glera grape.
Under Italian law, Prosecco must be produced with at least 85% Glera, with the remaining portion (if used) made up of approved local grape varieties.
What Is the Glera Grape?
Glera is a white grape native to north-east Italy, particularly the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. It has been grown in this area for centuries and is valued for producing fresh, aromatic wines with moderate alcohol and lively acidity.
The grape naturally lends itself to sparkling wine production because it retains acidity while developing gentle fruit flavours.
Why Prosecco Is Made From Glera
The Glera grape is ideal for Prosecco because it produces wines that are:
- Light and refreshing
- Aromatic rather than heavy
- Naturally suited to sparkling styles
Unlike grapes used for long-aged sparkling wines, Glera is not intended to develop intense yeast or toasty flavours. Instead, it highlights freshness and fruit.
Are Any Other Grapes Used in Prosecco?
Yes, but only in small amounts.
Italian regulations allow up to 15% of other approved grape varieties to be used alongside Glera. These may include local grapes such as Verdiso, Bianchetta or Perera.
However, most Prosecco is made from 100% Glera, especially in higher-quality examples.
How Prosecco Is Made
Understanding what Prosecco is made from also involves understanding how it is made.
Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method (also called the tank method). In this process:
- The base wine is fermented once to create still wine
- A second fermentation happens in sealed stainless-steel tanks
- Carbon dioxide is trapped, creating bubbles
This method preserves the fresh fruit character of the Glera grape rather than adding yeast-driven complexity.
How Prosecco Differs From Champagne
Although both are sparkling wines, they are made from different grapes and methods.
Champagne is typically made from:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Meunier
It undergoes second fermentation in the bottle, which creates richer, toastier flavours. Prosecco, made from Glera and fermented in tanks, is lighter, fresher and more fruit-driven.
Does the Grape Affect How Prosecco Tastes?
Yes — significantly.
Because Prosecco is made from Glera, it often shows:
- Green apple
- Pear
- White peach
- Floral notes
These flavours come from the grape itself rather than long ageing on yeast.
Is Prosecco Sweet or Dry?
Although Prosecco is made from a grape with fruity flavours, it is usually produced in a dry or off-dry style. Sweetness levels depend on how much sugar is added after fermentation, not on the grape alone.
Common Prosecco styles include:
- Brut (dry)
- Extra Dry (slightly off-dry)
The grape provides fruit character, not sweetness.
Does Prosecco Contain Added Sugar?
Sugar is sometimes added after fermentation to adjust sweetness, but this does not change what Prosecco is made from. The base wine remains Glera-based.
The amount of added sugar determines the final style rather than altering the grape composition.
Why Prosecco Can Taste Different Between Bottles
Even though Prosecco is made from the same grape, flavour differences can come from:
- Growing location
- Yield levels
- Harvest timing
- Winemaking decisions
Higher-quality Prosecco often comes from specific hillside areas and shows greater balance and finesse.
Prosecco DOC vs DOCG
Prosecco labelled DOCG comes from more strictly regulated zones and must meet higher quality standards. While both DOC and DOCG Prosecco are made from Glera, DOCG examples often show greater complexity and structure.
Common Misconceptions About Prosecco Ingredients
“Prosecco is a blend of many grapes”
It is not — it is predominantly made from Glera.
“Prosecco uses Champagne grapes”
It does not. The grapes are completely different.
“Prosecco is flavoured or artificial”
Traditional Prosecco is made from grapes only, not flavouring.
Summary: What Is Prosecco Made From?
Prosecco is made primarily from the Glera grape, with small allowances for other local varieties. Its fresh, fruit-forward character comes from both the grape and the tank fermentation method used during production.
Understanding what Prosecco is made from helps explain why it tastes different from other sparkling wines and why it is best enjoyed young and fresh.
